Beyond the Game: Martin Seligman's Life Lessons from Bridge

Introduction

In the competitive world of bridge, legends are crafted not merely through victories but through the inspiring journeys of players who bring more to the table than just cards. One such figure is Martin Seligman, a name that resonates not only in psychology but also in the intricate realm of bridge. In a recent conversation, Seligman shared the story of his bridge journey, a narrative that beautifully intertwines with his illustrious career and personal life. This blog post explores the highlights of that discussion, offering a glimpse into the life of a polymath who skillfully merges psychological insight with bridge strategy.

A Humble Beginning

Martin Seligman’s bridge journey began in an era long before the digital age. Growing up, he was surrounded by family members who played bridge with a passion that was contagious. At the tender age of eight, Seligman was drawn into the game, often stepping in as a fourth player during his mother’s bridge sessions. This early exposure sparked a deep love for the game, leading him to play his first duplicate game at the age of 12. His initial experiences were shaped by the teachings of Winnie Slutsky, a local expert whose guidance, though at times volatile, left a lasting impact.

Bridge and Academia

Seligman’s passion for bridge followed him into his academic pursuits. As the captain of the Princeton University bridge team, he led them to national victory. Despite the allure of turning professional, Seligman chose to pursue higher education, studying philosophy at Oxford and later, psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. Even as his academic career flourished, bridge remained a constant, albeit infrequent, companion. During his tenure at institutions like Cornell and Penn, Seligman still found time to participate in occasional duplicate games, keeping his love for the game alive.

A Resurgence in Midlife

The mid-80s brought a significant resurgence in Seligman’s bridge career. His skills were put to the test by Eileen Brenner, a seasoned player who pushed him to improve. Seeking further mentorship, Seligman turned to Paul Soloway, whose guidance led to numerous regional victories. However, it was his partnership with Eric Rodwell that truly transformed his game. Rodwell’s collaborative approach, in stark contrast to Soloway’s autocratic style, helped Seligman refine his skills to near-professional levels.

The Digital Revolution and Beyond

The advent of online bridge platforms like OKBridge and BBO revolutionized Seligman’s approach to the game. As the first user of OKBridge, Seligman relished the opportunity to compete against international pros from the comfort of his home. His collaboration with Polish pros, particularly Leszewski, elevated his game to new heights. Though Leszewski’s death from COVID-19 was a significant loss, Seligman continued to thrive, maintaining an impressive winning streak with other proficient players.

Bridging Psychology and Life

For Seligman, bridge is more than just a game; it’s a profound psychological experiment. He often observed the contrasting playing styles of analytical players like Eric and intuitive ones like Jeff, insights that he later incorporated into his writings. These observations added depth to his understanding of human behavior and psychology, demonstrating the intersection between his professional work and his passion for bridge.

Navigating Gender and Genius

A significant part of the conversation revolved around gender disparities in bridge. Seligman discussed the differing standard deviations in IQ distributions between genders, suggesting this as a possible explanation for the lower number of women at the top levels of bridge. He linked these observations to broader themes of fragility and resilience in men and women, touching on the biological and psychological nuances that influence these dynamics.

Life Lessons from Bridge

Throughout his bridge journey, Seligman has adhered to a simple yet profound philosophy: learn from those better than yourself. His advice to aspiring players is to surround themselves with superior players and to heed the wisdom shared by mentors like Soloway and Rodwell. For Seligman, bridge is a game of minimizing errors and constant evolution, mirroring his approach in positive psychology, where the relentless pursuit of improvement and understanding drives his work.

Wrapping Up

Martin Seligman’s bridge story is a testament to the enduring allure of the game and its profound impact beyond the table. His journey reflects a unique blend of intellectual endeavor and passionate pursuit, offering valuable lessons in humility, perseverance, and continuous learning. For those inspired by Seligman’s path, bridge is not just a game but a lifelong teacher, revealing the intricate dance between strategy, psychology, and human connection.